Instagram has added a new set of stickers, so users can take a selfie and whack an “I Voted” sticker on it. Friends can then tap the sticker and find their nearest polling location via Get to the Polls, a nonpartisan site.

Instagram has also introduced a brand new feature, explained below:

“On Election Day on November 6th, you will see a “We Voted!” story at the front of your stories bar when several of your friends post a story with the “I Voted” sticker. Simply tap the “We Voted!” story to see your friends’ voting excitement all in one place. This functionality is new to Instagram, and provides a way for you to see the people you follow share a moment together in Stories. We’re excited to bring this feature to the community in new ways in the future.”

From a voter participation perspective, this form of peer sharing can be highly effective in encouraging others to vote.

From a small business perspective, this form of peer sharing can increase community engagement and brand visibility.

Meanwhile, Snapchat has sent a video to all 18+ users in the U.S reminding them to vote, with more than 400,000 of its users registering as a result of its recently launched voter registration feature. Read More @Social Media Today

Computer Says No To Abusive Ads

Forrest Gump’s momma was right. You never know what you’re gonna get in a box of chocolates, and the same can be said for abusive ads on the internet.

Abusive ads come in many forms, but the usual suspects can cause your browser to misbehave by either generating fake system messages, automatically redirecting you, or attempting to steal personal information.

Google is stepping up the fight however, with Chrome 71 blocking every ad on a site that persistently shows them, not just the offending advertisement.

Scheduled for release in December, Chrome 71 will give site owners a 30 day grace period to clean house after an abusive experience is reported.

Just quietly, you can save yourself the trouble by hiring News Xtend to deliver stellar advertising campaigns that ain’t gonna be abusing no one. Read More @The Verge

Your Christmas Shopping Is In The Bag

A Macy’s bag, that is.

Starting November 28, Instagram followers can answer questions about interests and price range, and Instant Gift Guide Carousels will let consumers swipe and follow lines of ribbons to find a gift from Macy’s.

Each carousel post will focus on a different friend or family member that people may be shopping for and show a collection of gifts. The last frame will be shoppable, so consumers can purchase items featured.

For Pinterest shoppers, Macy’s will launch a 360 Globe, not dissimilar to a miniature snow globe, that will be filled with hidden gifts and holiday décor. Users will be able to pan around to get inspiration and find gifts hidden in the scene, as well as shop and share the items they find.

Add to their marketing efforts AR virtual mirrors, an Instagram-ready experiential shop in NYC and a heart-warming new digital video ad, and you’ve got some idea of the lengths businesses are going to to capture the attention of new and existing customers. Read More @Marketing Dive